Roulette is a
casino game centred on a spinning numbered wheel and a small ball. Before each spin, players place bets on a number, group of numbers, colour or another available outcome. Once betting closes, the wheel is spun and the ball eventually settles into one of the numbered pockets. The pocket where the ball lands determines the winning result.
Online roulette can be played in several formats. In digital RNG roulette, the result is generated electronically by a random number generator. Live roulette uses a physical wheel operated by a dealer, while automated versions can combine a physical wheel with a digital betting interface.
What Is the Objective of Roulette?
The objective of roulette is to predict the outcome of the next spin. Depending on the game, players can bet on:
- One specific number.
- A group of numbers.
- Red or black.
- Odd or even.
- Low numbers from 1 to 18.
- High numbers from 19 to 36.
- A dozen or column.
Generally, bets covering fewer numbers offer higher payouts but have a lower chance of winning. Bets covering more numbers generally pay less but cover more possible outcomes. No roulette bet guarantees a win.
Types of Roulette Wheels
European Roulette
European roulette has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero. The single-zero format gives the game a different mathematical probability from American roulette.
American Roulette
American roulette has 38 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, a single zero and a double zero. The additional double-zero pocket changes the probabilities, while standard payouts generally remain the same.
French Roulette
French roulette normally uses the same single-zero wheel as European roulette. Some French roulette tables also feature rules such as La Partage or En Prison, which can affect qualifying even-money bets when the ball lands on zero.
The rules can vary between games, so check the wheel type, payout table and specific rules before placing a bet.
How a Round of Roulette Works
A typical round follows these steps:
- Choose a roulette game: Check the wheel type, table limits and rules.
- Select a stake: Choose an amount within the game's minimum and maximum betting limits.
- Place a bet: Select a number, group, colour or another available outcome.
- Betting closes: Once the dealer or game announces that there are no more bets, additional wagers cannot be placed.
- The wheel spins: The ball travels around the wheel before settling in a numbered pocket.
- The result is announced: The winning number and its colour are displayed.
- Bets are settled: Losing bets are collected and winning bets are paid according to the applicable payout.
Inside Bets Explained
Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the roulette layout. They generally cover fewer numbers and therefore offer higher payouts than most outside bets.
Common inside bets include:
- Straight-up: Covers one number and usually pays 35:1.
- Split: Covers two adjacent numbers and usually pays 17:1.
- Street: Covers a row of three numbers and usually pays 11:1.
- Corner: Covers four numbers meeting at one corner and usually pays 8:1.
- Six line: Covers two adjacent rows, or six numbers, and usually pays 5:1.
A payout such as 35:1 refers to the winnings generated by the qualifying stake. The original stake is normally returned separately when the bet wins. Always check the payout table of the specific roulette game because rules and available bets can vary.
Outside Bets Explained
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and generally offer lower payouts than inside bets.
Common outside bets include:
- Red or black: Covers one of the two colours and pays 1:1.
- Odd or even: Covers either odd or even numbers and pays 1:1.
- Low or high: Covers 1 to 18 or 19 to 36 and pays 1:1.
- Dozen: Covers 1 to 12, 13 to 24 or 25 to 36 and pays 2:1.
- Column: Covers one of the three 12-number columns and pays 2:1.
Zero and, where applicable, double zero are not included in standard red or black, odd or even, or low or high selections. Their presence contributes to the house edge.
How Roulette Payouts Work
Roulette payouts generally depend on how many numbers a bet covers. A bet covering one number has a higher standard payout than one covering 18 numbers because it covers fewer possible winning outcomes.
For example, if a player places R10 on a single number and that number wins at 35:1, the profit would be R350, with the original R10 stake normally returned for a total return of R360.
Remember:
- A higher payout does not mean a more likely result.
- Standard payouts can be the same across different wheel types even when the probabilities differ.
- Side bets and special selections can have different payout structures.
- The payout table in the selected game should always be checked before playing.
Online Roulette vs Live Roulette
There are several ways to play roulette online:
- Online RNG roulette: Results are generated electronically using a random number generator.
- Live roulette: A dealer spins a physical wheel and manages the betting period, with the action streamed to players.
- Automated roulette: A physical or automated wheel can be combined with a digital betting interface.
The basic objective remains the same across these formats, but game speed, presentation, table limits, betting periods and available selections can differ.
What to Check Before Playing Roulette
Before placing a bet, review:
- The roulette wheel type.
- Minimum and maximum stakes.
- Standard and special bet payouts.
- The betting time limit.
- Zero and double-zero rules.
- Whether special French roulette rules apply.
- Available side bets or racetrack selections.
- The game's RTP and rules information.
For South African players, it is also important to use a properly licensed and regulated gambling service and to understand the terms that apply to the specific game and operator.
Roulette Tips for Beginners
A few simple habits can help beginners understand the game and keep their play within reasonable limits:
- Understand what each bet covers before placing it.
- Check whether the game uses a single-zero or double-zero wheel.
- Choose stakes that fit a predetermined budget.
- Do not assume previous results influence the next spin.
- Avoid betting systems that claim to guarantee winnings.
- Stop playing when the predetermined time or spending limit is reached.
There is no reliable betting pattern that can predict the result of the next independent roulette spin.
Play Roulette Responsibly
Roulette is a game of chance, and every spin is an independent event. Understanding the wheel, betting layout and payout structure can make the game easier to follow, but it cannot predict results or guarantee winnings.
Set both time and spending limits before playing, avoid chasing losses and only gamble with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is no longer enjoyable or is becoming difficult to control, stop playing and seek support. 18+ only. Gamble responsibly. Gambling involves financial risk.
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